CALIFORNIA BECOMES SECOND STATE TO RECOGNIZE MARRIAGE EQUALITY FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES by: Trevor Thomas, OIA Newswire
WASHINGTON — Today, the California Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision and ruled that same-sex couples have the same right to marry as opposite-sex couples under the state constitution. The court ruled that it is a violation of the state constitution to deny same-sex couples the right to marry, and that providing rights to same-sex couples through a separate system of domestic partnerships does not satisfy the state constitution.
“This is a historic day for the state of California, and a long-awaited day for the plaintiffs in this case and their families,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “The California Supreme Court has made clear that same-sex couples in committed relationships and their families deserve the same level of respect afforded to opposite-sex couples. The court did its job by ensuring that the state constitution provides the same rights and protections for everyone. This is a decision that strengthens California families.”
Solmonese continued, “We congratulate and commend the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, the ACLU, Heller Ehrman, the Law Office of David C. Codell, Equality California, Our Family Coalition and, of course, the courageous plaintiff couples and their families who looked to the courts to defend their rights.”
The court’s decision involved several consolidated cases, collectively referred to as In re Marriage Cases. The cases were filed in 2004. In March 2005, a state trial court ruled that, under the state constitution, same-sex couples must be permitted to marry. In October 2006, the California Court of Appeal reversed the trial court in a 2-1 decision. The California Supreme Court’s decision today overrules the Court of Appeal’s decision.
A growing number of states are providing relationship recognition to same-sex couples. California joins Massachusetts to become the second state to recognize civil marriage for same-sex couples. Five other states provide same-sex couples with access to all the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, either through civil unions or domestic partnerships. Three other states and Washington, D.C. provide same-sex couples with at least some of the basic benefits and protections made available to married heterosexual couples. However, because of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, same-sex couples do not receive federal rights and benefits in any state.
Key results from the ruling:
Same-sex couples in California will now be able to obtain a civil marriage license and receive the same respect and protections afforded to all married couples. Churches and other religious institutions will not have to recognize or perform ceremonies for these civil marriages. This ruling is not about religion; it’s about the civil responsibilities and protections afforded through a government-issued civil marriage license. The court’s decision does not entitle same-sex couples in California to receive the federal rights and benefits extended to married couples. The so-called federal Defense of Marriage Act discriminates against same-sex married couples by denying them over 1,000 federal rights and benefits, including social security benefits, the ability to file a joint federal tax return, and the right to petition for a spouse to immigrate. Other states may legally recognize the civil marriages of same-sex couples performed in California in the same way they recognize out-of-state marriages by different-sex couples. The court’s decision today does not change the law in any other state, or federal law.
The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation signed onto an amicus or "friend of the court" brief in the consolidated cases to support and further explain the case for extending civil marriage rights to same-sex couples under the state constitution. A number of other civil rights organizations, religious groups, child welfare experts, law professors, family and legal historians and others also signed or filed briefs in favor of extending civil marriage laws to same-sex couples.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. -30- If you would rather not receive future email messages from Human Rights Campaign, let us know by clicking here.Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 United States
[5/15/08]
NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE HAILS HISTORIC CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT DECISION SUPPORTING THE FREEDOM TO MARRY "This is an extraordinary victory for Californians and all Americans who hold fairness and opportunity as fundamental American values. Today, once again, California is leading the way in affirming the inherent dignity of all people. Today, in our hearts, we are all Californians." - Rea Carey, Acting Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force > Full Story. [5/15/08]
HRC, GLMA RELEASE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND HEALTHCARE EQUALITY INDEX WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) civil rights organization, and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, the nation's largest association of GLBT healthcare professionals, today announced the release of an industry-changing nationwide report—the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI)—which for the first time rates the nation’s hospitals on a set of baseline standards of patient care for GLBT Americans.
The HEI is the first step toward establishing a nationwide set of standards to reduce discrimination and ensure quality hospital-based health care. The absence of federal protections, inadequate state laws and inconsistent hospital policies often result in discrimination and inadequate healthcare for GLBT patients and their families. Too many times, a gay man has been unable to comfort his partner, a transgender person has been ridiculed instead of treated, or a lesbian mom has been barred from seeing her child at the hospital.
The HEI is modeled after the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s successful Workplace Project’s Corporate Equality Index, which rates corporations based on equality standards for GLBT workers and has led to over 50 percent of the Fortune 500 offering benefits to same-sex partners today, up from just a handful in 2000. By shining a national spotlight on companies’ employment practices and educating GLBT community and all Americans on equality standards, these companies were moved toward equal treatment of all employees. The HEI is expected to achieve similar results in the healthcare community by calling attention to discriminatory practices and, over time, establishing a “gold standard” of policies to ensure equality of treatment.
In a national conference call, Human Rights Campaign Foundation President Joe Solmonese and Gay and Lesbian Medical Association Executive Director Joel Ginsberg, as well as representatives from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, detailed the common barriers to quality care that GLBT patients and their families experience as a result of the lack ofnational protection, inadequate state laws, or healthcare providers’ insufficient training on the unique health issues faced by the GLBT community. They also discussed the standards created by participating hospitals to overcome these barriers, such as implementing visitation and decision making policies that respect the wishes of same-sex couples.
“By publishing the Healthcare Equality Index, we not only shine a light on the top performing hospitals, but also draw attention to prejudices that GLBT Americans must face during some of their most critical moments,” said Human Rights Campaign Foundation President Joe Solmonese. “With each subsequent edition of the HEI, we will move the health care industry closer to gold standard of national policies that will improve the treatment and prevent discrimination of GLBT Americans and their families.”
“The strong participation we're seeing by hospitals across the country reflects a trend within the healthcare industry of focusing on GLBT patients as a specific patient population with some unique needs,” said Joel Ginsberg, executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. “We're encouraged by this because this kind of private, voluntary action is one of the most important ways we're going to be able to reduce some of the health disparities that GLBT people currently experience.”
By creating a standard set of best practices that can be replicated by states, hospitals, and other healthcare services nationwide, the HEI is already moving the healthcare industry toward policies, standards, and training that ensure equal treatment for the GLBT community.
“We are proud to participate in the Healthcare Equality Index survey and honored to be the only Illinois hospital recognized in the report,” says Susan Nordstrom Lopez, president of Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. Illinois Masonic was among the 45 hospitals nationwide answering “yes” to each of the 10 questions published in the HEI report. “Located at the heart of Chicago's GLBT community, our medical campus has long been a leader in providing compassionate care for our neighborhood’s diverse population. We commend the work of the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association for their work in supporting equality in health care.”
“We are pleased to participate in the Healthcare Equality Index, and help set a high standard so that healthcare discrimination is not practiced on any level,” said Martin P. Sander, M.D., associate vice chancellor for Hospital Affairs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “Vanderbilt Medical Center is committed to providing an open and welcoming environment for our diverse patient population, as well as our faculty and staff. We welcome the results of the Healthcare Equality Index report and look forward to making improvements that may better serve our gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual patients. It's important that we provide the GLBT community with healthcare that respects their rights while understanding their unique needs.”
“The MGH is deeply committed to providing equitable, compassionate and high quality care to our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and their families, a level of care that is standard across our diverse patient population,” says Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “We are proud to be able to highlight our commitment to these high standards of care, as well as our efforts to promote a supportive work environment for all our employees in the Healthcare Equality Index report.”
"UCSF Medical Center is very proud to have met each and every criterion of the Healthcare Equality Index—and, above all, proud that providing competent, equitable care for LGBT people and their families is part of what we do every day,” said Mark Laret, Chief Executive Officer of the University of California San Francisco Medical Center.
Through the HEI, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation surveyed 88 hospitals across the country and rated them on five areas of policy and practice: patient non-discrimination, hospital visitation, decision making, cultural competency training and employment non-discrimination. With non-existent or incomplete state health laws and differing hospital policies that can lead to discrimination and inadequate health care for GLBT patients and their families, the HEI creates a baseline understanding of existing hospital policies, measures improvement from year to year, and establishes a gold standard for culturally competent care of GLBT Americans.
The 2008 Healthcare Equality Index is available online in PDF format: www.hrc.org/hei. The design and implementation of the report, to be released each spring, is conducted by the HEI Advisory Council, whose members include representatives from the healthcare industry and organizations serving the GLBT community. The HEI will continue to expand its work on hospital policies to also include long-term care, assisted living, hospice, community health clinics and other branches of the healthcare industry in future editions.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association has been working since 1981 to ensure equality in healthcare for GLBT patients and healthcare providers, through advocacy, education, research and patient referrals.
- 30 -
BACKGROUND
State Healthcare Laws for GLBT Couples: A Patchwork of Inequality
Due to incomplete and oftentimes inadequate state laws and differing hospital policies across the country, there are many challenges in guaranteeing equal health treatment for the GLBT community. The Healthcare Equality Index was created to help identify and promote the widespread adoption of standards that ensure equality and reduce discrimination in hospital-based healthcare.
Below is a list of state healthcare laws relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community:
· Laws governing medical decision making (i.e. whether or not one partner may make medical decisions for an incapacitated partner). These are laws that allow a partner, loved one, or caregiver to make decisions when no express advance directive exists.
Some states provide same-sex partners the same rights as different-sex spouses to make medical decisions for an incapacitated partner—these are: CO, CT (if partners enter into a civil union), DC (if partners enter into a DP), HI (if partners are reciprocal beneficiaries), ME, MA (if partners are married), NH (CU), NJ (CU), NM, OR (DP), VT (CU), WA (DP), and CA (DP)
Other states give same-sex partners second class status—e.g. if no “family member” is available, the partner can make a decision as a “close friend” (or similar term that may be used by the law). These states are: AK, AZ, DE, FL, ID, IL, MD, MS, NY, ND, PA, SD, TN, UT, WV, WY
· Some states give partners equal hospital visitation rights on same terms as spouses—generally, are all states that recognize same-sex relationships in some way. The states are:
CA (DP), CT (CU), DC (DP), HI (reciprocal beneficiaries), ME (DP), MA (marriage), NH (CU), NJ (CU), OR (DP), VT (CU), WA (DP)
Note: MD just passed a bill permitting partners to make medical decisions for incapacitated partners and providing equal visitation rights (same as spouse). The Governor is expected to sign the bill into law.
· Every state, plus DC, permits express advance designation of a medical decision maker (e.g. through a health care power of attorney, a designated health care agent, or a living will). That means someone can designate his or her partner as a decisionmaker as long as the designation is made in writing, often through a specific type of document like a living will or power of attorney.If you would rather not receive future email messages from Human Rights Campaign, let us know by clicking here.Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 United States > Full Story. [5/13/08]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN STATEMENT ON ARIZONA HOUSE VOTE ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BAN WASHINGTON – Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, released a statement today on the Arizona House of Representatives’ vote to put a proposed state constitutional amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage on the ballot. The measure now moves on to the state Senate, where legislators will decide whether to bring it to a vote. A similar ban was defeated at the polls in 2006. > Full Story. [5/13/08]
UPDATED FACT SHEETS PROVIDE DATA ABOUT HIV/AIDS AMONG BLACKS, LATINOS, WOMEN
Updated fact sheets, Kaiser Family Foundation: The fact sheets provide information about the impact of HIV/AIDS on blacks, Latinos and women in the U.S. Each fact sheet includes data about trends and current cases, as well as population-specific information on HIV transmission patterns and access to care (Kaiser Family Foundation release, 5/12).
“NEWSWRAP" FOR THE WEEK ENDING MAY 10, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending May 10, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,050, distributed 5-12-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [5/13/08]
ADVOCACY GRPS, HEALTH LEADERS, HOSP. EXECS ANNOUNCE 1ST EVER NAT'L RATING OF HOSPITALS ON GLBT CARE WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, May 13, Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Joel Ginsberg, executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, leaders in the healthcare industry and hospital executives will announce the release of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), a first-of-its-kind survey to rate the nation’s hospitals on a set of baseline standards of patient care for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) Americans. > Full Story. [5/8/08]
GENDERPAC NYC "TOP CHEF" COOKOFF WASHINGTON (May 6, 2008) -- An energetic crowd filled the Institute for Culinary Education in Chelsea as Ilan Hall, Hung Huynh, Ted Allen and Josie Smith-Malave of Bravo's hit reality series, Top Chef, took their places at center stage for the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition's NYC Celebrity Cook-Off on Friday May 2, 2008. Two teams led by Top Chefs Ilan and Hung cooked up culinary delights and motivated a crowd of fans and donors to serve up support for GenderPAC's youth program. > Full Story. [5/7/08]
“NEWSWRAP" FOR THE WEEK ENDING MAY 3, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending May 3, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,049, distributed 5-5-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [5/6/08]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES CLERGY CALL 2009, ENGAGES LOCAL COMMUNITIES WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today announced the launch of Clergy Call 2009, a year-long educational effort to facilitate faith-based mobilization within congregations and local communities. The effort builds off Clergy Call 2007, where the HRC Religion & Faith Program brought 230 religious leaders from all 50 states to Washington, D.C. Beginning this summer, HRC will support faith-based trainings throughout the country with a particular targeted emphasis on transgender education in 40 communities. The trainings will lead into the national Clergy Call event May 4-5, 2009 and will propel faith leaders to organize and advocate locally for GLBT equality.
“America’s clergy are transforming our nation one congregation at a time and making it easier for Members of Congress to stand for equality,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “These trainings will encourage participants to take their conversations to the next level and work for change in the public sphere.”
The theme for Clergy Call 2009, “Moving from Acceptance to Advocacy,” reflects the vision of a faith-based movement for GLBT equality built from the ground up: in local churches, synagogues, mosques. The series of trainings will utilize HRC’s faith-based Transgender Curriculum and Online Resource written by transgender religious educators and edited by Rev. Chris Glaser. The curriculum will also include anaccessible biblical piece, “Gender Identity and the Bible.” In addition, a study guide to accompany the award-winning film, For the Bible Tells Me So, will be offered for the first time. Both the faith-based transgender curriculum and For the Bible Tells Me So study guide provide hands-on training designed to engage communities in rich and faithful dialogue on GLBT issues.
“When I think of the power of tikkun olam -- of healing the world -- I think of HRC’s Clergy Call for Justice and Equality,” said Rabbi Denise Eger, of Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood, CA. “This event showed Congress and the country that religious people are willing to stand up for the marginalized and the disenfranchised. By building on the success of Clergy Call 2007 to mobilize people of faith locally in anticipation of another Clergy Call in 2009, HRC is practicing tikkun olam -- justice work at its most profound.”
“Clergy Call 2007 was a life changing moment for all who participated,” said Harry Knox, director of the Human Rights Campaign’s Religion & Faith Program. “Watching clergy come together to demand justice for LGBT people brought hope to even the most cynical observer. Those clergy sparked a flame that is igniting a movement for justice and equality around the country. Clergy Call 2009 will build on that momentum.”
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. > Full Story. [5/5/08]
GAY STUDENTS OUTED: MCS RESPONDS [VIDEO] Gay Students Outed: MCS Responds WPTY ABC 24 Memphis • May. 01, 2008. 11:15 PM EST
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN RESPONDS TO DISCRIMINATORY MEASURE AFFIRMED BY METHODIST CHURCH WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today responded to the United Methodist Church’s decision to reaffirm homophobic language which says homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching and its failure to reverse a decision by the church’s Judicial Councilto allow pastors to reject lesbian and gay people who seek membership in the church. The vote, which passed by a margin of only 84 votes out of more than 900 cast, reaffirmed discriminatory language in the Discipline of the United Methodist Church and failed to counteract an earlier decision by the denominations judicial body. The vote was taken on Wednesday, April 30, at the United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Separately, the church voted against anti-transgender legislation and voted to oppose “all forms of violence or discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual practice or sexual orientation.”
The following statement is by Harry Knox, director of the Human Rights Campaign’s Religion & Faith Program:
“I am heartbroken, as are my colleagues at HRC, by the spiritual violence done to lesbian and gay people by the United Methodist Church, the denomination in which I once pastored, my parents were married, my nieces and nephews baptized, and out of which my beloved grandmother was buried last June.
Nevertheless, the church has committed itself to working for civil rights protections for LGBT people and has explicitly rejected discrimination against transgender people. Therefore we expect and call on the Bishops of the United Methodists Church and local UMC pastors to speak out publicly in support of a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Mathew Shepard Hate Crimes Protection Act and we will be offering them many opportunities to do so, especially at Clergy Call 2009.”
To learn more about the HRC Religion & Faith Program, visit: www.hrc.org/religion.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
-30-If you would rather not receive future email messages from Human Rights Campaign, let us know by clicking here.Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 United States > Full Story. [5/2/08]
BRAVO ANNOUNCES BROADCAST DATE FOR 19TH ANNUAL GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS New York, April 28, 2008 - Bravo today announced the exclusive broadcast date for the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. The gala awards show recognizing and honoring media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives will air on Friday, June 27 at 7 pm ET/PT. > Full Story. [5/1/08]
JIM ROME MAKES GOOD ON BAD TAKE New York, April 30, 2008 – During the April 29 episode of Jim Rome is Burning on ESPN, host Jim Rome spoke about international soccer star Ronaldo. According to wire reports, Ronaldo was questioned by police in Brazil after claiming to be blackmailed by transgender prostitutes. When referring to the transgender people, Rome used the phrases, "trannies," "shims," "he-she," "she-males," and "getting his freak on with some post-ops." > Full Story. [5/1/08]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN XM RADIO SHOW MOVING TO NEW CHANNEL, TAKE 5 (XM 155) WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, announced today that its live talk show, “The Agenda with Joe Solmonese,” will air on Take Five, XM Radio Channel 155, beginning May 5th. The show, which launched in 2006, will remain in its Monday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) timeslot and expand to include live call-ins, allowing listeners to interact with show host, HRC President Joe Solmonese, and co-host, Mary Breslauer. > Full Story. [4/29/08]
CLINTON FOUNDATION, UNITAID ANNOUNCE NEW ANTIRETROVIRAL DISCOUNTS
The Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative and UNITAID on Monday announced that they have negotiated agreements with generic drug companies that will reduce the cost of some antiretroviral drugs and provide new pediatric formulations, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The agreements -- made with Indian drug makers Aurobindo Pharma, Cipla and Matrix Laboratories -- will provide discounts on more than 40 generic second-line antiretroviral drug formulations. They will reduce the price of the most commonly used second-line regimens -- tenofovir, lamivudine, and a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir -- according to the Journal (Chase, Wall Street Journal, 4/29).
The new prices are a reduction of as much as 19% when compared with the costs the organizations announced in May 2007, AFP/Yahoo! News reports. The new price for a second-line regimen containing tenofovir, lamivudine and lopinavir/ritonavir is a 16% reduction from the current average price in low-income countries and a 46% reduction in middle-income countries, AFP/Yahoo! News reports (AFP/Yahoo! News, 4/28).
According to Clinton Foundation Chief Operating Officer Anil Soni, the agreements reduce the cost of second-line treatments for adults to about $659 annually from standard market costs of $1,000 to $4,000 annually in low- and middle-income countries, respectively.
UNITAID and CHAI also announced an agreement to provide a pediatric version of a zidovudine-based fixed dose combination therapy at a reduced price of $66 annually. UNITAID is providing a $120 million purchase commitment for 2008 to support the CHAI-negotiated discounts, Soni said (Wall Street Journal, 4/29).
In addition, UNITAID announced the addition of six new formulations to its pediatric HIV/AIDS treatment project that are more child-friendly than previous versions, according to a CHAI release. These new products include tablets, capsules and fixed-dose combinations that replace individual solutions, which often are difficult to dose, administer and store.
Former President Clinton said, "Today's announcement is an important step in helping to save the millions of children and adults infected with HIV in the developing world who still lack access to life-saving drugs." He added, "It is a testament to the will of governments and partners that we have been able to broaden the reach of our pediatric and second-line AIDS treatment projects so rapidly. I am proud that my foundation is working with UNITAID to optimize the use of available resources and to more effectively serve patients."
Chair of UNITAID's Executive Board Philippe Douste-Blazy said, "We are pleased to report that now over 200,000 children and adults living with HIV/AIDS are benefiting from UNITAID and CHAI support," adding that "this achievement represents a major step in our partnership to reach hundreds of thousands of additional children through 2010 and lower the price of second-line treatment" (CHAI release, 4/28).
TCGMC ANNOUNCES PRIDE CONCERTS JUNE 27-28, 2008 AT TED MANN CONCERT HALL TWIN CITIES GAY MEN’S CHORUS PRESENTS LOVE IS A MANY-SPLENDORED THING > Full Story. [4/28/08]
OPENING THE DOOR TO THE INCLUSION OF TRANSGENDER PEOPLE WASHINGTON, April 28 - The National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force today released a joint publication titled Opening the Door to the Inclusion of Transgender People: The Nine Keys to Making Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Organizations Fully Transgender-Inclusive, geared toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations. > Full Story. [4/28/08]
“NEWSWRAP" FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 26, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending April 26, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,048, distributed 4-28-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [4/28/08]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES YEAR TO WINť NATIONWIDE MOBILIZING EFFORT FOR ELECTION 08 WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) civil rights organization, today announced the launch of “Year to Win,” a nationwide electoral initiative aimed at mobilizing pro-equality voters in the 2008 election season. The effort will focus the resources of the organization’s more than 700,000 members and supporters in key battleground races throughout the country.Along with today’s announcement, HRC also released its first round of U.S. Senate endorsements for the 2008 General Election.
The Human Rights Campaign’s Year to Win campaign builds on the success of its efforts in 2006, which had an over 90% win rate and earned the organization the #2 ranking as most effective interest group by National Journal. As in the 2006 general election, HRC will be on the cutting edge of strategic and organizational efforts to harness the political power of the organization’s members and supporters nationwide – in addition to the GLBT community as a whole – as well as to prevent the right wing’s election-year attempts to exploit GLBT Americans for political gain. These efforts include:
· Launching Camp Equality™ to provide state-of-the-art campaign training for more than 1,500 participants in 13 cities across the country and to help deploy trainees to targeted campaigns;
· Educating voters throughthe HRC Equality 2008 website, www.hrc.org/YearToWin,a new “one-stop shopping” election resource that will allow visitors to gauge the political landscape of each state, donate to candidates, access the latest news and information on GLBT issues on the trail, and view a report card on where the candidates stand on key issues in the race for the White House;
· Mobilizing voters at more than 100 Pride events nationwide, expected to reach more than 5 million people;
· Targeting 14 Senate races through on-the-ground organizing, GOTV efforts and fundraising to increase the fair-minded majority in the Senate;
Having already organized, educated and motivated the GLBT community during the primary season, HRC will target resources toward fair-minded candidates on the federal and state level. By maintaining a visible and sustained presence in the field, at GLBT community pride events, and through the ’08 election website, issues important to pro-equality voters will continue to be on the front-burner of the national political dialogue.
“From mobilizing our members and all GLBT Americans, recruiting and training a cadre of grassroots campaign workers, and strategically targeting ‘high-impact’ races, the Human Rights Campaign is making 2008 our ‘Year to Win,’” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We’ll elect fair-minded candidates and ensure that issues equality are discussed this election year on our terms – not the right-wing’s.”
Building off the success of HRC’s Campaign College, which brings college students to Washington, D.C. every summer for intensive campaign training, HRC will kick off trainings in communities nationwide to mobilize on the grassroots level. Camp Equality™ will train nearly 1,500 people in 13 cities to work on political campaigns. By recruiting and training supporters of equality, HRC will bring more people into the political process, train them to help fair-minded candidates achieve victory, and build support for equality across the country. The first Camp Equality™ training will take place in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on May 10-11. Additional trainings are scheduled for Phoenix, Arizona (May 30 – June 1); Houston, Texas (June 13 - 15); Albuquerque, New Mexico (June 27 - June 29); Las Vegas, Nevada (June 27 - 29); Northern Virginia (July 11 - 13); Cincinnati, Ohio (July 11 - 13); Columbus, Ohio (July18 - 20); Long Island, New York (July 25 - 27); Denver, Colorado (August 8 - 10); Dallas, Texas (August 15 - 17); St. Louis, Missouri (August 15 - 17); and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (September 5 - 7). Those interested in participating in Camp Equality™ are encouraged to apply online: www.hrc.org/CampEquality.
HRC will also take advantage of opportunities to connect with voters at GLBT pride events nationwide. As in previous years, the Human Rights Campaign will take part in more than 100 pride events, allowing HRC to reach out to core supporters, introduce people to the equality movement and ask members of the GLBT community to sign pledges to vote in November. The HRC Diversity team will also empower GLBT people of color to be proud of their sexuality while celebrating their unique cultural heritage. The International Federation of Black Prides started in the late 1980s as a way to raise money for Black HIV/AIDS organizations. There are now 36 cities that host Black pride events. HRC is a supporter of 20 Black pride events, three Latin pride events, and one Asian Pacific Islander heritage celebration. For a complete list of pride events where HRC will be involved, visit: www.hrc.org/Pride.
Additionally, HRC will be mobilizing equality supporters on the 2008 True Colors Tour, with headliners Cyndi Lauper, The B-52s, Rosie O’Donnell and host Carson Kressley. The tour will kick off Gay & Lesbian Pride Month on May 31st at Boston’s Bank of America Pavilion. Special guests will include the Indigo Girls, Joan Armatrading, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Regina Spektor, Tegan and Sara, Wanda Sykes, Nona Hendryx, Deborah Cox and The Cliks. In 2007, more than 70,000 people attended the concert series. For a complete list of dates and to purchase tickets, visit: http://www.TrueColorsTour.com.
In 2006, through an expanded field team and an unprecedented focus on state-level activity, the Human Rights Campaign helped secure victory for 211 endorsed candidates, offering up a stinging defeat for some of the most anti-gay politicians in the country, including Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa. HRC targeted 30 races in 18 states, raised $1.3 million in candidate contributions, placed 84 staffers in the field and spent more than $5 million in election-related activities.
“I am proud to have the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign, a group that does so much to further the cause of equal rights for all Americans,” said Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), candidate for U.S. Senate. “Justice for all is one of the bedrock principles on which our country was founded and it is the responsibility of every American to work to make true equality a reality. It’s something I am committed to doing in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful for the support of the HRC and applaud them for the work that they do every day.”
“I have always been an advocate of equal rights for all Americans, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, religion or sexual orientation,” said U.S. Rep. Tom Udall (D-NM), candidate for U.S. Senate. “As a tireless and effective advocate for equal rights, HRC helps advance the cause of equality, and because of that, I am proud to receive their endorsement.”
“I'm grateful to have this endorsement from an organization that fights for the rights and celebrates the spirit of the individual,” said U.S. Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO), candidate for U.S. Senate. “Born and raised in the West, I know firsthand the strong ethic of protecting individual rights – a western tradition that reminds members of both political parties to leave people alone in their private lives. Because of this ethic, I find it troublesome when I see a politician - or anyone for that matter - righteously championing discrimination or hateful attitudes about the GLBT community. To do so reflects a world view that seems to me to be ethically wrong and backward-thinking. I am proud to have HRC’s endorsement and support.”
“I am proud to accept the Human Rights Campaign’s endorsement and vow to continue the fight against all forms of bigotry, hate and prejudice and for basic equality and human rights as New Jersey's U.S. Senator,” said U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ).
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign, one of the savviest, most respected and most influential political, civil rights and human rights organizations in our country,” said U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-MA). “When you’re in a fight to change our country, you can always count on HRC to be there with you in the trenches, and there’s no better ally in the fight to advance the cause of freedom and equality for all Americans. I have been proud to work with the Human Rights Campaign for close to 25 years now in the U.S. Senate. We’ve fought together to combat AIDS, including our fight this year in the Foreign Relations Committee to lift the HIV Travel Ban, to pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, to end discrimination in the workplace through ENDA, and to work toward the day when same-sex couples are granted the same rights other Americans take for granted. We’ve spent a lot of our energy these last years stopping bad things from happening with a Republican in the White House. We’ve been proud to fight those fights, but I can’t begin to tell you how much I look forward to serving in a bigger, stronger Democratic majority in Congress under a Democratic president so we can wage and win the progress we’ve been waiting for and which the community deserves.”
2008 U.S. Senate endorsements as of April 28, 2008:
Max Baucus, D-MT Joe Biden, D-DE Susan Collins, R-ME Dick Durbin, D-IL Al Franken, D-MN Tom Harkin, D-IA John Kerry, D-MA Mary Landrieu, D-LA Frank Lautenberg, D-NJ Carl Levin, D-MI Jack Reed, D-RI Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH Mark Udall, D-CO Tom Udall, D-NM
Note: U.S. House endorsements by Human Rights Campaign will be made available at a later date.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
-30-If you would rather not receive future email messages from Human Rights Campaign, let us know by clicking here.Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 United States > Full Story. [4/28/08]
SECOND ANNUAL SURVEY OF LESBIAN & GAY TRAVEL LAUNCHED ROCHESTER, N.Y. – April 28, 2008 – Harris Interactive® today announced that it has once again teamed up with Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc., the leading gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) strategic marketing and communications agency to conduct the Second Annual GLBT Travel Study. This year's study – expected to be released in June/July 2008 -- will again examine the preferences, attitudes, spending patterns and behaviors regarding destination and brand choices for leisure travel (domestic and international) and contrast those findings with the opinions of heterosexual adults. > Full Story. [4/28/08]
25TH ANNIVERSARY IGLTA CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS BREAKS RECORDS 25th Anniversary IGLTA Convention Breaks Records > Full Story. [4/28/08]
HOMOPHOBIC BLOOD BAN KILLING CANADIANS Contact: Jeremy Dias info@JersVision.org 613-562-5800 ext 6486 (w) 613-569-8574 (h) Joshua Ferguson director@saqd.net JER'S VISION & STANDING AGAINST QUEER DISCRIMINATION STAND UP TO CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES' HOMOPHOBIA PRESS RELEASE: Jer's Vision and Standing Against Queer Discrimination (SAQD) will be meeting with Canadian Blood Services to demand their homophobic ban on gay blood, organs and bone marrow. April 28th, 2008 Jer's Vision and Standing Against Queer Discrimination will be meeting with Canadians Blood Services (CBS) to demand that they stop discriminating agains gay men on May 6th at the CBS offices. Like all Canadians, the Rainbow (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two-Spirited & Queer) Community is very concerned about the blood, organ, and bone marrow shortage in Canada. We are also concerned about the homophobic actions of Canadian Blood Services banning gay men from donating blood, organs and bone marrow eliminating a category of viable donors simply because of their sexual orientation. Canadian Blood Services claims that gay men are a high risk category for blood transmitted diseases, however they do not have any scientific evidence to back up this claim, and instead continue to use stereotypes and prejudice to limit potential donors and put Canadians lives' at risk. "The reality is that being gay is not high risk, but rather actions of practicing safe sex or not" says Jeremy Dias, Executive Director of Jer's Vision. "Currently, a straight man or woman who regularly engages in unsafe sex can donate blood, while a gay person who practices safe sex cannot...it is completely homophobic and wrong". "The most recent statistics also paint a difference picture of the reality of blood transmitted illness" says Joshua Ferguson, director of Standing Against Queer Discrimination. "According to the most recent findings, 51% of new HIV infections of 2007 were straight women...gay men represented just under 28% of new infections". "Canadian Blood Services is sending a dangerous message to Canadians by banning gay blood. Not only are they facilitating in the death of our brothers and sisters by ignoring viable donors, but they are also participating in institutionalizing discrimination...making it ok for other services and individuals to hate", says Dias. "It is time we follow the lead of other nations, and rely on the technology that is there to test and ensure the safety of blood, organ and bone marrow donations, stereotypes should not be our fool proof method in the 21st centry" says Ferguson. Thank you for taking the time to read... Yours truly, Jer's Vision: Canada's Youth Diversity Initiative Tel. : 613-562-5800 x6486 Fax : 613-562-5285 http://www.jersvision.org > Full Story. [4/28/08]
AMERICAN OIL COULD CUT GAS PRICES > Full Story. [4/26/08]
THE AIDS INSTITUTE RECOGNIZES WORLD MALARIA DAY WASHINGTON,DC – April 25, 2008 is World Malaria Day – a day to commemorate the global effort to provide effective control of Malaria around the world. It isan opportunity for those of us who live in "malaria-free" countries to learn about the devastating consequences of the disease. It is an occasion to encourage donors to join a global partnership in the fight to eradicate this scourge. It is also an occasion for research institutions and academia to showcase their scientific advances to fellow experts and to the general public. World Malaria Day is an opportunity for countries in regions affected by malaria to share eradication efforts, learn from each other's experiences, and to support each other's efforts. Lastly, it is an opportunity of international partners, companies and foundations, and all of us in the advocacy community to reflect on how to scale up proven efforts to conquer and subdue this terrible disease. > Full Story. [4/25/08]
BALDWIN RECOGNIZES NATIONAL DAY OF SILENCE Baldwin Resolution Honors National Day of Silence > Full Story. [4/25/08]
AFRICAN SUCCESS - POSITIVE AFRICA GPU African Success – Gay Africa > Full Story. [4/24/08]
EQUALITY FOR ALL CAMPAIGN RESPONDS TO POSSIBILITY OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BANNING MARRIAGE FOR GAY AND LESBIAN COUPLES Equality for All Campaign Responds to Possibility of Constitutional Amendment Banning Marriage for Gay and Lesbian Couples > Full Story. [4/24/08]
GAY AND LESBIAN ADULTS ARE READING AND RESPONDING TO MORE BLOGS THAN HETEROSEXUALS Washington, DC - April 21, 2008 - According to a recent national survey conducted by Harris Interactive(r), gay and lesbian adults online are reading more blogs than their heterosexual counterparts. When asked, just over half (51 percent) of the gay and lesbian respondents reported reading some type of blog, compared to 36 percent of heterosexual adults. A similar question on blog readership also was asked in November 2006, and at that time 32 percent of gay and lesbian adults then reported reading blogs. > Full Story. [4/24/08]
NATIONAL DAY OF SILENCE TO BE HELD IN RECORD 6,000 SCHOOLS ON FRIDAY National Day of Silence to be Held in Record 6,000 Schools on Friday > Full Story. [4/24/08]
NEW PBS DISTRIBUTED DOC HIGHLIGHTS PARENTSą STRUGGLES TO ACCEPT THEIR LGBT CHILDREN New PBS Distributed Documentary Highlights Parentsą Struggles to Accept their Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Children
New York Screening of Anyone & Everyone with Filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz; Panel Discussion with Experts and Parents from Film to Follow Screening
New York, NY ‹ On Thursday, June 12, 2008, KPBS-TV will proudly present a New York screening of Susan Polis Schutząs groundbreaking documentary Anyone & Everyone. The filmmaker will be present to introduce the film and participate in a post-screening panel discussion with experts and parents featured in the film. Anyone & Everyone airs on New York PBC affiliate WNET-TV on June 16 and will air nationally in English on PBS and in Spanish on V-me throughout the month of June in celebration of LBGT Pride month.
In the film, diverse parents from across the country discuss their reactions to having a child come out as gay or lesbian. Their heartfelt accounts personalize issues that are often de-personalized in political rhetoric. While some parents in the documentary show unconditional support, many struggled with their childąs sexual orientation. The driving point of the film is that the featured families really could be anyone and everyone.
WHAT: Anyone & Everyone screening and panel discussion This event is free and open to the pubic. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served.
WHEN: Thursday, June 12, 2008; 6:30pm 9:00pm 6:30pm reception with refreshments; 7pm film screening; 8pm panel discussion and audience Q and A
WHERE: The LGBT Community Center, Room #301 208 W. 13th St., NY, NY 10011
WHO: Post-Screening Panel Discussants Will Include:
* Susan Polis Schutz, Filmmaker * Nila Marrone, President, PFLAG, New York Chapter * Moderator, Caitlin Ryan, Director, Family Acceptance Project, San Francisco State University * Carmen Robello, a mother featured in Anyone & Everyone
EDITORS: To request a screener of the documentary or to schedule an interview in advance, please call or email the media contacts listed above.
For more information about the film, please visit www.anyoneandeveryone.com .
NEW HRC FOUNDATION GUIDE HELPS EMPLOYERS CREATE FAIR POLICIES FOR TRANSGENDER WORKERS WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, has released a guide that aims to provide human resource and other employment professionals with best practices for transgender workplace inclusion—from discrimination and benefits policies to internal practices that reflect how gender is expressed and integrated in the workplace—as well as the state of legal issues encompassing gender identity in employment situations. “Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace” covers topics such as appropriate terminology with which to discuss gender identity and expression, the creation of policies that protect transgender workers from discrimination, and the expansion of diversity programs to include gender identity and expression. > Full Story. [4/24/08]
NEW HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION GUIDE HELPS EMPLOYERS CREATE FAIR POLICIES FOR TRANSGENDER WORKERS WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, has released a guide that aims to provide human resource and other employment professionals with best practices for transgender workplace inclusion-from discrimination and benefits policies to internal practices that reflect how gender is expressed and integrated in the workplace-as well as the state of legal issues encompassing gender identity in employment situations. "Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace" covers topics such as appropriate terminology with which to discuss gender identity and expression, the creation of policies that protect transgender workers from discrimination, and the expansion of diversity programs to include gender identity and expression. > Full Story. [4/23/08]
GAY MARRIAGE AND PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS [VIDEO] Gay marriage and presidential politics FOX WTVT Tampa-St Petersb • Apr. 17, 2008. 08:00 PM EST > Full Story. [4/21/08]
CLASSMATES REACT TO ART PROJECT [VIDEO] Classmates React To Art Project KCTV Kansas City • Apr. 18, 2008. 03:02 AM EST > Full Story. [4/21/08]
"NEWSWRAP" FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 19, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,047, distributed 4-21-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] Reported this week by Erica Springer and Tanya Kane-Parry > Full Story. [4/21/08]
ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE PENS SONG FOR FEATURE "HORROR IN THE WIND" Revision Studios announced today that two time Academy Award nominee, David Zippel, and Emmy Award winner Marc Chait, have created the closing song for its new feature length comedy, "Horror In The Wind." The song, "Love Is the Antidote," is performed by Marc Chait and will also appear on his new album of the same name to be released this summer. > Full Story. [4/21/08]
IN THE PAPAL POCKET: BENEDICT XVI AND THE PRESS "We have learned over the years that there is simply no competing for media attention with the bulletproof Popemobile and the crowds of faithful. Protests and press conferences, women-led liturgies and other educational events take place before the man arrives with the hope that the press, looking for filler until the visit begins, might attend to them. By the time the papal masses and ceremonial meetings begin, the voices of dissent are long since forgotten by those who might offer more substantive coverage." - Mary E. Hunt Ph.D., National Religious Leadership Roundtable > Full Story. [4/16/08]
GROUPS ADVOCATING FOR LGBT RIGHTS URGE D.A. TO CHARGE ALLEGED LAWRENCE KING MURDERER AS A MINOR "We call on prosecutors not to compound this tragedy with another wrong." > Full Story. [4/15/08]
BEARAPALOOZA NATION BRINGS GAY BEAR IDENTIFIED PERFORMERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY 6 years ago, singer-songwriter Freddy Freeman put together a concert of musicians and performers of the Bear community, and called it Bearapalooza. Since that first show in 2002 in New York City, Bearapalooza has grown into a national musical celebration of ursine brotherhood, with successful music festivals in New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Nashville, and Florida. After six years and twelve festivals showcasing the incredible talents of Bear artists like Yolanda, Max Christopher, Tommy Johns, Kendall, The Future Villain Band, Bigg Nugg, Nekked, Charlie Brown, the Bootlickers, Elijah Black, Martin Swinger, Bobaloo, Andy Northrup, Freddy Freeman, Dave Montana and many others, the magic continues as we plan to celebrate the music, the family, the history and the phenomenon that is, Bearapalooza! Founder Freddy Freeman and co-producer Michael West once again are taking this celebrated concert event nationwide in 2008. With shows all around the Country, a feature in "A-Bears-Life" magazine, a documentary film in the works, and much more, it looks like 2008 will be the year of Bearapalooza Nation. > Full Story. [4/15/08]
UNEQUAL TAXATION OF DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS Williams Institute and the Center for American Progress Release Joint Report on the Unequal Taxation of Domestic Partner Benefits > Full Story. [4/14/08]
“NEWSWRAP" FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 12, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending April 12, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,046, distributed 4-14-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [4/14/08]
MORE COMPANIES ARE CREATING PROGRAMS TO HELP ALLEVIATE WORLDWIDE HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC April 10, 2008…Major companies are creating a wide variety of programs to help employees deal with the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, according to a report released today by The Conference Board, the global business research and membership organization. > Full Story. [4/10/08]
TASK FORCE: ALL FAMILIES DESERVE CARE AND RESPECT WASHINGTON, April 4 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force responds to media and public reaction generated by the story of Thomas Beatie, who is pregnant and appeared on Oprah this week.. > Full Story. [4/7/08]
“NEWSWRAP" FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 5, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending April 5, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,045, distributed 4-7-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [4/7/08]
COURT RECOGNIZES VIABILITY OF LAMBDA LEGAL’S SEX DISCRIMINATION CLAIM ON BEHALF OF TRANSGENDER WOMAN; CASE PROCEEDS TO TRIAL 'The court agreed that Izza never misrepresented herself in any sense, and rejected River Oaks' claim that transgender people have a duty to disclose their biological sex to employers.' > Full Story. [4/4/08]
SEN. CLINTON MIGHT SCRAP MILITARY'S GAY POLICY IF ELECTED [VIDEO] Sen. Clinton Might Scrap Military's Gay Policy If Elected FOX WTXF Philadelphia, PA • Apr. 03, 2008. 08:00 PM EST > Full Story. [4/4/08]
JANET JACKSON TO BE HONORED AT 19TH ANNUAL GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS IN LOS ANGELES Lauded Talk-Show Host Ellen DeGeneres to Present Award > Full Story. [4/2/08]
HISTORIC NEW BILLBOARD HOT 100 SINGLES CHART RECORD – SURPASSES ELVIS PRESLEY’S 17 #1’S – FIRST HIT FROM NEW ALBUM, E=MC˛ MARIAH CAREY's "TOUCH MY BODY" – – HER 18th #1 SINGLE !!! > Full Story. [4/2/08]
3RD ANNUAL BLOGGING FOR LGBT FAMILIES DAY JUNE 2, 2008 Third Annual Blogging for LGBT Families Day Unites Bloggers in Support of LGBT Families > Full Story. [4/2/08]
DAILYMOTION TO LAUNCH FULL-LENGTH INDEPENDENT FEATURE FILMS Dailymotion to Launch Full-Length Independent Feature Films > Full Story. [4/2/08]
HRC: GET INVOLVED The Human Rights Campaign is launching out two great programs for people who want to help elect fair-minded officials and pass pro-equality legislation. These programs are an amazing opportunity for supporters of equality to create real change, in their own backyards and across the country. Join HRC as we get ready for one of the most important elections ever. Camp Equality Trainings > Full Story. [4/2/08]
REP. SALLY KERN MEETS WITH OKLAHOMA PFLAG MEMBERS AND CLERGY Oklahoma state Representative Sally Kern, whose public anti-gay tirade has garnered national media attention after being posted on YouTube, met on March 27 with community and religious leaders to discuss her remarks. The group has been trying to speak with Rep. Kern since a March 18 rally at the state capitol. The leaders who met with Rep. Kern included Oklahoma City PFLAG President Loyce Newton-Edwards, Church of Open Arms Pastor Katy McCallie, and retired United Methodist Church minister Jim Shields. > Full Story. [3/31/08]
CIVIL UNION COUPLE UNABLE TO FILE TAXES WITH H&R BLOCK Connecticut couple Jason Smith and Settimio Pisu have been together for six years and have a civil union. This year, like any other busy couple, they attempted to file their taxes online. But when Smith and Pisu tried to file their taxes on H&R Block's website, they were told, "We don't support Connecticut civil union returns." > Full Story. [3/31/08]
NEWSWRAP FOR THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 29, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending March 29, 2008 > Full Story. [3/31/08]
DEMOCRATS SAY IT'S STILL THE ECONOMY, STUPID [VIDEO] Democrats Say It's Still The Economy, Stupid RNN • Mar. 28, 2008. 11:42 AM EST > Full Story. [3/28/08]
SAME SEX COUPLES BLOCKED BY H & R A Connecticut same-sex couple's civil union may be recognized by their state, but H&R Block has blocked such couples from filing a joint online tax form and resulting in an action filed by the American Civil Liberties Union. [via] > Full Story. [3/27/08]
PREGNANT MAN SPARKS TRANSGENDER DISCUSSIONS [VIDEO] Pregnant man sparks transgender discussions KVAL Eugene, OR • Mar. 26, 2008. 02:43 PM EST > Full Story. [3/27/08]
GEORGE MICHAEL: A NEW ALBUM AND MAKES AMERICAN ACTING DEBUT
New York, NY (March 24, 2008) – After performing 80 shows in 12 European countries for a staggering 1.3 million fans over the past year alone, legendary superstar George Michael will be bringing his smash 25 LIVE tour to North American Arenas in the summer of 2008 in support of his new retrospective record. This will be Michael's first North American tour in 17 years. The new record, titled Twenty-Five, will be released April 1st and is a 29-song, 2-CD set featuring six new songs (including duets with superstars Paul McCartney and Mary J. Blige and a song from the Eli Stone finale, “Feeling Good”) in addition to many of Michael's iconic songs from both his solo and WHAM! career. In addition, a companion 2-disc DVD of 40 videos will also be made available.
The 25 LIVE tour broke several ticket sales records, most notably in Copenhagen. Michael's concert at The Parken Stadium sold over 50,000 tickets in the matter of minutes, shattering the previous ticket sales record at the venue, formerly held by U2. On the 25 LIVE tour, Michael left both fans and critics alike in awe:
"It was a master class in pop genius." - The Observer
"George proved he is simply one of the best vocalists this country has ever produced. A stunning performance." - The Sun
"Worth waiting for. The show was, in every single meaning of the word, perfect." - De Morgen
"A tremendous singer, a complete showman, all George Michael needs is a mike, his songs, and the magic on stage is instantaneous." - La Parisien
The North American leg of the 25 LIVE tour will kick off in San Diego on June 17th and will continue through San Jose, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York and several other major cities. The tour will incorporate 22 shows over the course of seven weeks and Michael will perform material taken from the entire span of his career, including some classic Wham! tracks. Michael has recently teamed up with iTunes and Ticketmaster to produce an innovative media package which allows fans rare access to Michael’s videos, songs, and tickets to one of his North American 25 LIVE concerts. The package goes on sale on iTunes on March 25th. Tickets to the 25 LIVE tour will go on sale to the general public the weekend of April 6th.
George Michael has enjoyed one of the most successful and enduring careers in the history of pop music, selling more than 85 million records globally and encompassing seven US No. 1 singles, two Grammy awards, three American Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award and two prestigious Ivor Novello awards for songwriting. His record "Faith" has sold over 20 million copies alone. In addition, Michael has garnered 11 British No. 1 singles and seven British No. 1 albums. He recently was declared the most played British artist on radio over the course of the last 20 years. On March 27th, Michael can be seen making his American acting debut on the new hit ABC series, Eli Stone, in which each episode is titled after one of his songs.
For more information about the George Michael, please visit:
NGLTF RECOGNIZES LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER WOMEN LEADERS CHAMPIONING EQUALITY National Gay and Lesbian Task Force recognizes lesbian, bisexual and transgender women leaders championing equality > Full Story. [3/25/08]
GAY EX-GOV WINS ROUND IN DIVORCE COURT [VIDEO] Gay Ex-Gov Wins Round in Divorce Court Associated Press • Mar. 20, 2008. 10:59 PM EST > Full Story. [3/25/08]
ALLUVIAL FILMWORKS SEEKS SUBMISSIONS FROM NEXT GREAT FILMMAKERS IN GLBT Alluvial Filmworks Seeks Submissions From Next Great Filmmakers in GLBT Cinema Filmmakers Receive Chance for International Distribution and Large-scale Exposure Los Angeles, California - March 24, 2008 - Alluvial Filmworks, an entertainment distribution division of Village Lighthouse, Inc., is actively seeking innovative short and feature films of gay and lesbian interest for international distribution. Filmmakers posting quality shorts and trailers online and/or paying film festival entry fees in the hopes of major distribution and press should look no further than directly contacting international distributor Alluvial Filmworks. Alluvial Filmworks is a rising entertainment company building a reputation for releasing independent feature films, short films, and TV shows. With an ever-growing fan base, press coverage and business relationships with over 500 accounts including major chain retailers, independent community retailers and global distributors including Blockbuster, Amazon.com, Baker & Taylor, Virgin Entertainment, Book of the Month Club, Barnes & Noble, Borders and Netflix, Alluvial Filmworks offers filmmakers of gay and lesbian content the chance to be exposed to people in small and large cities around the world. Filmmakers or animators who believe they have completed, or are soon to complete, an entertaining and quality film are encouraged to make a submission. > Full Story. [3/25/08]
LAMBDA LEGAL REACHES SETTLEMENT ON BEHALF OF UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN STUDENT WHO SUFFERED VIOLENT ANTIGAY ATTACK Lambda Legal Reaches Settlement on Behalf of University of Wisconsin Student Who Suffered Violent Antigay Attack > Full Story. [3/24/08]
NEWSWRAP FOR MARCH 22, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending March 22, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,043, distributed 3-24-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [3/24/08]
NATIONAL RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE MEMBERS RESPOND TO INCREASE IN GIFTS TO THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST AFTER CONTROVERSIAL SUPPORT OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE National Religious Leadership Roundtable members respond to increase in gifts to the United Church of Christ after controversial support of same-sex marriage > Full Story. [3/20/08]
MEDIA TAKES NOTICE OF CONGRESSIONAL EFFORTS TO END HIV TRAVEL BAN Whoa - There was lots of excitement around Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) attaching a provision to President Bush's global AIDS relief bill to repeal the HIV travel ban. Since 1987, U.S. immigration law has prohibited HIV positive foreign nationals, students, and tourists from entering the U.S. unless they obtain a special waiver that only allows for short term travel. Current policy also prevents the vast majority of individuals with HIV from obtaining legal permanent residency, resulting in many bi-national same-sex couples being separated due to this unjust policy. > Full Story. [3/20/08]
NEWSWRAP FOR MARCH 1, 2008 "NewsWrap" for the week ending March 15, 2008 (As broadcast on "This Way Out" program #1,042, distributed 3-17-08) [Written by Greg Gordon, with thanks to Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley] > Full Story. [3/17/08]
'HARD CANDY' DELICIOUS NEW MADONNA ALBUM SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED ON WARNER BROS. RECORDS APRIL 29TH 'HARD CANDY' DELICIOUS NEW MADONNA ALBUM SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED ON WARNER BROS. RECORDS APRIL 29th > Full Story. [3/2/08]
NATIONAL CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS 2008 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION National Center for Lesbian Rights 31st Anniversary Celebration Anniversary Dinner at the Westin St. Francis Anniversary Party at the Metreon Saturday, May 31, 2008 Anniversary Dinner: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. > Full Story. [2/22/08]
CA SCHOOL SHOOTING; HATE-CRIME CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED Local Groups for Gay Rights KCOY CBS 12 Santa Maria • Feb. 15, 2008. 03:12 AM EST > Full Story. [2/15/08]
NEWS: "CALL FOR LOVE" SUPPORTS LGBT JAMAICANS A CALL FOR LOVE: Valentine's Day 2008 by Mel Bryant
"STOP THE VIOLENCE! STOP THE HATE!" More than 30 die-hard activists, including two associates from Jamaica AIDS Services, one of whom is currently seeking asylum in the United States after threats to his life, chanted these words as they gathered at the Jamaican Consulate on Third Avenue in New York City on Valentine's Day to CALL FOR LOVE. The international action campaign, organized by Metropolitan Community Churches in response to the recent wave of mob violence directed against LGBT people in Jamaica, brought together representatives from MCC, Human Rights Watch, The Center, UNITY Fellowship, Renewed Life Ministries, Lavender and Green, Hadwen Park Congregational Church and the Peace Corps.
The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair of Global Justice Ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches, recounted many of the horrific events of the past year, including the January 29th break-in to the private home of three gay men by a mob wielding clubs and machetes. "Two of those young men, doing nothing more than existing in their own home, were clubbed and macheted to the point of hospitalization," she said. "One lost an ear and may suffer paralysis from the attack. A third young man is missing and presumed dead. Only the blood trail away from the home remains."
"Enough is enough!" she called to the lunchtime crowds passing by the Consulate. "The time has come for people of goodwill around the globe to break their silence and demand that the Jamaican government and its political and social structures guarantee the safety of all Jamaicans."
Rebecca Schleiffer of Human Rights Watch recounted the horror of three gay men trapped in a pharmacy by a mob of two hundred in Montego Bay last year on Valentine's Day. "Those three young men had to place an international phone call to the Human Rights Watch," she said, "and we had to act on their behalf before the police would intervene. And even then," she continued, "those charged with protecting the lives of Jamaican citizens joined in the taunting and threatening gestures, punching one of the three in the face and stomach."
Jamaican Nathaniel Cunningham, who is seeking asylum in the United States because of death threats for his work with Jamaica AIDS Services and his courage in being out as a gay man, said, "The nightmares must end! No more sleepless nights wondering if you will be next! It's time for all Jamaicans to feel safe in their own homes and in their own country!" Cunningham led the crowd in chants calling for love to replace hate.
Speaker after speaker, including the Rev. Judith Hanlon, Pastor of the Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC, who had traveled to New York from Worcester, MA to participate in the demonstration, called on the Jamaican Consulate to intervene and promised to keep the pressure on until change is as evident as the violence has been. Prior to the demonstration, Rev. Bumgardner and Jamaican activist Junior Walker were politely rebuffed in their attempt to meet with the Acting Consul General, Lincoln Downer. They did, however, manage to deliver a letter calling attention to the CALL FOR LOVE campaign and promising ongoing efforts until the violence ends.
As the demonstration ended, those gathered placed flowers carrying the banner, "For the Jamaican Victims of Homophobic Hatred and Violence." As Rev. Bumgardner prepared to lead the crowd in a prayer of remembrance and promise, the Consulate's building manager came outside to say that praying on the sidewalk was not allowed. "We are going to pray now," Rev. Bumgardner responded, at which point the building manage stepped away and waited for the prayer's conclusion. A few moments later he reappeared to say that the flowers must be removed. After some negotiation, the flowers were delivered to the Consulate with their banner intact.
The Valentine's Day public actions in New York City, along with similar actions in Philadelphia, Toronto, Miami, and Washington, DC, marked the beginning of an international public awareness campaign organized by Metropolitan Community Churches.
For More Information On The New York City Action or Upcoming "Call For Love" Events, Contact: The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair MCC Global Justice Team GlobalJustice@MCCchurch.net. 212-629-7440 > Full Story. [2/15/08]
GSA NETWORK, TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER, AND EQCA SADDENED OVER SHOOTING OF GAY JR. HIGH STUDENT IN OXNARD GSA Network, Transgender Law Center, and EQCA Saddened Over Shooting of Gay Jr. High Student in Oxnard > Full Story. [2/14/08]
MINISTERS WANT STATE TO LEGALIZE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE > Full Story. [2/14/08]
GLAAD APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS GLAAD APPOINTS SIX NEW MEMBERS TO NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS > Full Story. [2/11/08]
OUT IN AMERICA ANNOUNCES LGBT WEDDING ALLIANCE Rainbow Wedding Network and Out in America Create Marketing Alliance Targeted at the Gay and Lesbian Wedding Niche > Full Story. [1/5/07]
Out in Detroit News Ticker
Now you can get Out In Detroit news right on your home page or website for
free! Click HERE for all the details!
New York, NY (March 24, 2008) – After performing 80 shows in 12 European countries for a staggering 1.3 million fans over the past year alone, legendary superstar George Michael will be bringing his smash 25 LIVE tour to North American Arenas in the summer of 2008 in support of his new retrospective record. This will be Michael's first North American tour in 17 years. The new record, titled Twenty-Five, will be released April 1st and is a 29-song, 2-CD set featuring six new songs (including duets with superstars Paul McCartney and Mary J. Blige and a song from the Eli Stone finale, “Feeling Good”) in addition to many of Michael's iconic songs from both his solo and WHAM! career. In addition, a companion 2-disc DVD of 40 videos will also be made available. 
